Busy route between Calderdale and Keighley set to reopen at end of October
People who regularly use the route who live on the Bradford side of the border have challenged both Calderdale and Bradford councils about the works.
Commuters frustrated by weekday closures of a busy route linking Calderdale with Keighley have been told an end to their misery is in sight.
In the spring Calderdale Council announced the A6033 road from Hebden Bridge to the town in the neighbouring Bradford metropolitan district via Oxenhope, would be closed for 20 weeks for highway safety work to be carried out, leaving commuters with a 20 mile detour via Halifax.
Recently people who regularly use the route who live on the Bradford side of the border have challenged both Calderdale and Bradford councils about the issue, and have involved Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker to put pressure on Calderdale Council.
Bradford Worth Valley councillor Rebecca Poulson (Con) had accused Calderdale Council of backtracking on a promise to re-open the road after an eventually agreed six week closure period ended early in September, a situation she says has left regular travellers with more months of disruption.
But Calderdale Council now says it hopes work, weather permitting, will be completed by the end of October, a month ahead of schedule, although travellers will have to put up with the situation for a few weeks longer.
Work has involved the widening of bends, the replacement of around 3,000 metres of kerb and the resurfacing of the carriageway from Bedlam Bends over the Calderdale boundary into the Bradford district.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Strategy, Coun Jane Scullion said initially it was hoped that traffic signals could be introduced after the first phase of works.
However, after a review of the site, it was necessary for full weekday closures to continue to maintain the safety of the workforce.
“We are aware of people’s concerns about the improvement works on the A6033, and we really sorry for any inconvenience they are causing.
“However, the works are vital as this road is rated as one of the most dangerous in the UK, so we need to install important safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents,” said Coun Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot).
She said the council have done everything possible to minimise disruption, and worked with the contractor to review the current situation.
“The health and safety of our staff and the public are our priority, and we have agreed that works will continue using a full weekday road closure rather than allowing vehicles to access the road using temporary traffic lights.
“This is to keep everyone safe, as the road is narrow.
“We know this is disappointing, especially as the diversion route is so long, but this does mean that we hope to be able substantially complete works by the end of this month, ahead of the initial expected completion date of late November.
“We’ll announce an official opening date as soon as possible,” she said.